Creative block is the kryptonite of artists. As art students, we easily get burnt out doing both homework and projects outside of class. People in non-creative studies usually de-stress with hobbies. The sad thing for artists is that most of the time, our homework is our hobby as well. There is no line of demarcation to separate work from fun. Here are a few ways SCAD students avoid creative stagnation and burnout.
Rest and relaxation are the key to get your creative juices flowing. Victoria Aiken, a third-year fashion student swears by this: “Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I find that laying down and having some ‘me time’ is important. It helps my brain calm down and puts me in the right head space to create new art.”
Another way to get over a creative block is to go back to your basics. Third-year animation student Vanessa Guvele said, “I go back to the basics and do technical drawings. As an animator, I usually go to drawing as a form of stress relief; but it’s weird because the thing giving me stress is also drawing. I stop trying to do conceptual work and begin drawing simple objects and bodies. It helps me relax and create a clear state of mind.” Guvele finds this helps her de-stress and avoid a creative block when working on her collaborative animation films and personal portfolio.
Finding something that inspires you is also a way to restore your creativity. Third-year animation student Annika Hampton branches out of her comfort zone to avoid creative stagnation. “Finding a new creative past time helps relax me,” Hampton said, “Whether that be going a new place or trying out a different form of creative hobby, it always seems to help me get through rough times.”
